External fixator assembly

ABSTRACT

A support structure for use with an external fixator assembly including, but not limited to, a fixator assembly for the ankle area of the body which may further include an ankle stabilization portion. The support structure is similar in function but distinguishable in structure from a “halo-ring” and comprises a base having a substantially annular configuration and being operatively disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a leg area which corresponds to the stabilized ankle area. An extension assembly includes at least one but preferably a plurality of two elongated extension members extending outwardly from the base and in spaced relation to and substantially aligned with the ankle stabilization portion. The base and the two extension members are structured for connection to a plurality of struts which may be variably and selectively disposed in interconnecting relation to the ankle stabilization area and/or other portions of the external fixator assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a support structure similar in functionbut distinguishable in structure to a halo-type support ring adapted foruse as an operative component of an external fixation assembly for anankle or other area of the patient's body. The support structureincludes an annular base dimensioned and configured for disposition insurrounding relation to a leg area associated with the ankle beingstabilized. An extension assembly comprising a plurality of extensionmembers is connected to the base, wherein the base and extension membersare structured for connection to one or more strut members disposed ininterconnecting relation to and between the support structure and theother components of the external fixator assembly.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the medical treatment of pathologies including, but not limited to,injuries, fractures, etc. to the bone and joints, external fixatorassemblies are commonly used to maintain segments of the bone in anintended and/or required stabilized orientation. By way of example,fixator assemblies of the type described may be utilized to treat thefusion of bone tissue as well soft tissue injuries, and situationsinvolving a union of bones which otherwise are difficult to heal. Assuch, known or conventional fixator assemblies vary in structure,dimension and configuration and are correspondingly adapted to be usedwith various portions of the body to which they are attached.

Typical fixator structures include one or more connecting bars or rodsas well a plurality of clamps for adjustably securing fixation pins,wires, etc. to the bone portions being affected. Further, transfixionpins or wires of the types commonly utilized may extend completelythrough the bony tissue or may be anchored therein, such as when thelong bones of the leg are involved directly or indirectly with thetreatment or healing procedure. Further, the term “transfixion member”is generally recognized in the medical field as including the describingof elongated pins which extend completely or at least partially throughthe bony tissue involved. In contrast, smaller, thicker “half pins” maybe utilized in substantially the same manner to stabilize affectedtissue but being of a length insufficient to extend completely throughthe affected bone, joint, etc. This term may also be used in a moregeneric sense in referring to stabilizing devices, other than pins, suchas wires, reduction wires, screws, clamps, etc.

In addition, known external fixator assemblies of the type described mayalso include support rings which encircle a corresponding body member,wherein such rings or like support members serve as a supportive base tofacilitate proper location of the aforementioned transfixion members.Accordingly, it is commonly understood in the medical profession thatfixator assemblies are used to maintain proper orientation of one ormore of bones or bone segments relative to one another to facilitatehealing or alignment.

However, the proper stabilization of tissue typically associated withthe joint areas of a patient's body such as, but not limited to, theankle joint as well as the wrist and other smaller bones associated withthe hand involves additional considerations. In particular when dealingwith the ankle area and the associated tissue serving to interconnectthe foot to the lower portion of the leg, the fixator clamps or fixationclamps support blocks are frequently connected to an encirclinghalo-ring or like support member. These devices are mounted on the ringor other support member to properly position a transfixion pin or likemember at a proper height or corresponding distance above the supportingring in order to engage and thereby properly orient the affected bonesof the ankle joint to the foot. In utilizing these support blocks,transfixion clamps, etc., one commonly recognized problem ordisadvantage associated therewith is the possibility these devicesobscuring important or necessary portions of the ankle joint whenX-rayed. In addition, the proper placement of one or more of suchclamps, support blocks, etc. is time consuming for medical personnel andmay lack a certain versatility and/or accuracy associated with theaccurate placement of a transfixion pin or like transfixion member inthe fixed orientation or otherwise support of the various bones of theankle joint.

Accordingly there is a need in the medical profession for a supportassembly which is at least minimally similar in function, but clearlydistinguishable in structure, from a known halo-type ring supportstructures. Such an improved support structure allows greaterversatility in the positioning of interconnecting struts serving tointerconnect and support various components of an external fixatorassembly in their intended operative position. Further, the dimension,configuration and overall structure of such a proposed support structureis such as to be usable with an external fixator assembly of the typeused to stabilize the ankle area of the patient. As such, the supportmay be disposed in interconnected, spaced relation to an anklestabilization portion of the external fixator assembly and insurrounding relation to an adjacent leg area associated with the anklebeing stabilized. The proposed support assembly of the present inventionis structured to facilitate the support and connection of a plurality ofinterconnecting struts. Further, the support structure is alsostructured to have mounted thereon and/or connected thereto a pluralityof transfixion members which extend radially inward from the proposedsupport structure into engaging relation to the relatively long bones ofthe corresponding leg area.

Accordingly there is a need in the medical profession for an a supportstructure component useable as part of an external fixator assemblywhich more efficiently stabilizes the hard tissue associated with thefoot and ankle areas and/or the associated bones of the lower leg.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a support structure for use with oras part of an external fixator assembly of the type specifically, butnot exclusively, intended for the stabilization of an ankle area of thebody. As such, the various embodiments of the support structure of thepresent invention are operatively disposed to function somewhatsimilarly to the known halo-type support ring, as generally set forthabove. However, the structural features of the support ring structure ofthe present invention are clearly distinguishable from known orconventional halo-type rings, as set forth in greater detailhereinafter.

As referred to herein, the term “ankle area” refers to and is intendedto describe the ankle joint, as well as bones and associated tissue ofthe foot and lower portions of the leg bones including the fibula andtibia. Further, in properly describing the intended position andorientation of the various preferred embodiments of the supportstructure of the present invention and the remainder of the externalfixator assembly associated therewith, terminology including “length ofthe ankle area” and/or “height of the ankle area” may be utilizedsynonymously. These terms are meant to refer to the general distancebetween the bottom of the foot and an area of the lower part of the legabove the ankle joint. Further the ankle area, as used herein, is meantto be descriptive of the bones and other tissue associated with thefoot, ankle joint and lower leg which serve to facilitate thefunctioning of the ankle joint and intended, relative movements of thecorresponding foot and leg connected to the ankle joint.

Accordingly, the support structure of the present is used independentlyof or in combination with an external fixator assembly which may furthercomprise an ankle stabilization portion. The ankle stabilization portionis disposed adjacent the ankle area and foot and is structured tosupport at least one transfixion pin or like transfixion member inoperative engagement with the bones or other associated tissueassociated with the ankle area. Moreover, the support structure of thepresent invention comprises a base preferably having a continuous,annular configuration or be otherwise configured and dimensioned to atleast partially, but in most applications completely surround the legarea of a patient's body which is substantially adjacent to the anklearea being stabilized.

Further, the support structure of the present invention includes anextension assembly comprising at least one but more practically aplurality of extension members or arms extending outwardly from thebase. Each of the arms is elongated to a sufficient degree that, whencombined with the corresponding dimensions of the base, extend along atleast a portion and/or a majority of the length of corresponding, spacedapart portions of the ankle stabilization portion of the externalfixator assembly. In addition, a plurality of apertures or through holesare disposed about the continuous length of the base and also along thelength of the extension members. These apertures will serve asconnecting sites for at least one, but more practically, a plurality ofelongated studs. As described herein, the one or more studs serve tointerconnect the support structure of the present invention with theankle stabilization portion as well as any additional conventionalhalo-type rings and/or additional support structures.

Therefore, the interconnecting struts serve to place both the anklestabilization portion and/or other, conventional halo-type rings inspaced relation to the support structure as these various componentsextend along the length of the ankle area or leg upwardly from theposition of the ankle stabilization portion adjacent the ankle areabeing stabilized. Further, the plurality of apertures defining theconnecting sites for the struts are disposed such that the plurality ofstruts may be disposed at a variety of different locations in order toprovide greater versatility to the medical personnel when placing thestruts and the various components of the external fixator assembly inorder to eliminate the possibility of interference with X-rays views,which are typically required.

Other features associated with the support assembly of the presentinvention include the plurality of preferably two extension membersextending outwardly from the base in a common direction and in spacedrelation to one another. In at least one preferred embodiment, the twoextension members or arms may also be disposed in parallel relation toone another and may be further disposed in substantially coplanarrelation to one another and/or to the base. In order to providesufficient structural integrity to the two extension members, at leastone embodiment of the support structure includes a brace assembly. Thebrace assembly preferably comprises at least two brace segments eachdisposed in interconnecting, reinforcing relation between an exteriorperiphery of the base and a corresponding peripheral edge or otherappropriate portion of a different one of the extension members or arms.

As represented hereinafter in greater detail, the external fixatorassembly, including the support structure of the present invention, isstructured to connect one or more transfixion pins or like transfixionmembers so as to extend transversely inward and into stabilizingengagement with the leg bone(s) or other tissue associated with theankle area at various points along the height or length of the legand/or ankle area. Further, each of the one or more transfixion pins canbe connected to a plurality of different locations along the lengththereof. Therefore the disposition of the base and extension assembly ofthe support structure as well as the structure of at least some of theremainder of the external fixation assembly provides significantversatility in positioning each of the one or more transfixion pins ormembers at any one of a plurality of different locations relative to theleg and associated ankle area being stabilized.

Therefore, the positioning of the transfixion pin(s) or member(s) intostabilizing engagement with intended tissue of the leg and ankle area,in the manner described herein, eliminates or significantly reduces theneed for conventional support blocks or clamps to connect thetransfixion pin(s). As set forth above, the use of such known devicesand procedures for orienting of the transfixion pins relative to apredetermined body part is time consuming and has a tendency to obscureX-rays or other viewing facilities of the body part. Therefore the useof the various preferred embodiments of the present invention eliminateor significantly reduce such known and well recognized disadvantages.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detaileddescription are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support structure of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the support structure of the presentinvention as represented in the embodiment of FIG. 1 incorporated withinand at least partially defining an external fixator assembly of the typeadapted for use in the stabilization of an ankle area.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in at leastpartially schematic form.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view in partial cutaway and schematic form of anexternal fixator assembly modified from that of FIGS. 2 and 3operatively positioned relative to an ankle area of a patient.

FIG. 6 is a top view in partial cutaway and schematic form of thefixator assembly of FIG. 5 operatively positioned relative to the footor lower leg portion of an ankle area of a patient.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As represented in the accompanying Figures, the support assembly of thepresent invention is generally indicated as 100 and is structurallydistinguishable from the conventional halo support ring generallyindicated as 102 in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4. Moreover, each of aplurality of preferred embodiments of the support structure ring 100 ofthe present invention is adaptable for use in combination with anexternal fixation assembly generally indicated as 104 in the embodimentsof FIGS. 2-4. Further, as will also be discussed in greater detailhereinafter, the external fixator assembly 104 is structured to beoperatively positioned and used in a location substantially adjacent toan ankle area generally indicated as 12 in FIG. 5 of a patient. As setforth above, the ankle area 12 is meant to be descriptive ofsubstantially the entire area represented in FIG. 5, which includes theankle joint, foot, corresponding portions of the leg bones, includingthe fibula and tibia, as well as the associated components and tissue.In addition, the terms “height” and “length” of the ankle area 12 areused synonymously herein and refer to the distance from substantiallythe bottom of the foot, as at 14, to at least a portion the long bonesof the leg, as at 16, 16′.

Therefore, with primary reference to FIGS. 1, the support assembly 100of the present invention includes a base generally indicated as 106preferably having an annular configuration and an open interior 108. Theopen interior 108, as well as the circumferential dimension of the base106, are sufficient to dispose the base 106 in substantially surroundingrelation to the leg portion associated with the leg bones 16, 16′adjacent the ankle portion 12 being stabilized, as schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 5. In addition the support structure 100 alsoincludes an extension assembly generally indicated as 110 comprising atleast one but preferably a plurality of two extension members orextension legs 112 and 114. Each of the extension members 112 and 114 isintegrally or otherwise fixedly connected to and extends outwardly froma different, opposite end or side of the base 106 preferably, but notnecessarily, in a substantially common direction. As such, the commondirectional orientation of the extension members 112 and 114 serves todispose these members in spaced relation to one another. Moreover, in atleast one embodiment the extension members 112 and 114 may be disposedin substantially parallel relation to one another.

Further, the structure of the extension assembly 110 may be defined bythe extension members 112 and 114 being disposed in substantiallycoplanar relation to the base 106 and/or in coplanar relation to oneanother. However, the intended operability and versatility relative to aposition by the support structure 100 allows the extension members 112and 114 to be disposed in non-coplanar relation to the base 106 and/orin non-coplanar relation to one another. Accordingly, the extensionmembers 112 and 114 may be disposed in coplanar relation to one anotherbut out of coplanar relation to the base 106. Also the parallel, spacedapart relation of the extension members 112 and 114 may vary from thatrepresented in FIG. 1 to a substantially non-coplanar, parallel relationthere between.

Additional structural features of the support structure 100, includingboth the base 106 and each of the plurality of preferably two extensionmembers or arms 112 and 114 including a plurality of apertures or open,through holes 40. The apertures 40 define a plurality of connectionsites and structures which facilitate the attachment and/or mounting ofa plurality of supporting studs 115 in a variety of operative positionsrelative to the support structure 100 and the remaining components ofthe external fixation assembly 104, including the ankle stabilizationportion 18 and the substantially conventional halo-support ring 102.Further, the plurality of apertures 40 defining the aforementionedconnection sites are also adaptable to facilitate connection, mountingand support of a plurality of transfixion members 36, as represented inFIGS. 5 and 6. As such, when applied or mounted on the support structure100, including the base 106 and the extension members 112 and 114, thetransfixion members 36 may extend radially inward into an engagementwith the leg bone 16, 16′, surrounded by the base 106. As such, thesupport structure 100 will serve to support, securely position andthereby stabilize the external fixator assembly 104, as well as thevarious components thereof, including the ankle stabilization portion 18and the conventional halo-type support ring 104.

Other structural features of the support structure 100 include theprovision of a brace assembly generally indicated as 120. The braceassembly 120 includes a plurality of brace segments 122 equal in numberto that of the plurality of preferably two extension members 112 and114. As such, the brace segments 122 are disposed in interconnecting,supporting and reinforcing relation between the exterior periphery ofthe base 106, as at 124, and a corresponding inner peripheral side oredge 126 of different ones of the extension members 112 and 114. Asrepresented, each of the brace segments 122 may be integrally orotherwise fixedly connected to the base 106 and the correspondingextension member 112 and 114 in their respective reinforcing positions.

For purposes of clarity the various operative and/or structuralcomponents of one type of external fixator assembly are represented inappropriate detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. Accordingly, the external fixatorassembly 104 may comprise an ankle stabilization portion 18 and possiblya conventional halo-type support ring 102. As will be apparent in thedescription of the fixator assembly 104 hereinafter provided, the anklestabilization portion 18 may include one or more contoured segments 22and 22′ operatively positioned relative to the ankle area 12. Further,the one or more contoured segments utilized may be selected from alarger plurality of contoured segments 22, 22′, etc., which may differfrom one another at least in dimension and configuration, as representedin the structural modifications of the external fixator assembly 18represented in FIGS. 2 through 4. With primary reference to FIG. 5, thebase segment 20, defining at least a portion of the ankle stabilizationportion 18, preferably includes a curvilinear configuration which may bemore specifically defined by an arcuate or semicircular shape. As such,the base segment 20 terminates in oppositely disposed free ends 23 and23′. Further, a plurality of apertures or other appropriate structure 25are positioned substantially along the length of the base segment 20 andare provided to facilitate the connection of one or more struts 115 tothe base segment 20 preferably using fixation bolts, which are not shownfor purposes of clarity. Such struts 115 and interconnecting fixationbolts are well-known in the medical profession and are used to supportand/or dispose the ankle stabilization portion 18 in a stabilizedposition relative to the ankle area 12. As set forth above andrepresented in the various Figures, the struts 115 serve to interconnectthe components of the external fixator assembly 104, including theconventional halo-type ring 102 and the support structure 100 locatedabove the ankle area 12, along the length of the leg and in surroundingrelation to the bones 16 and 16′.

Accordingly, as represented in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base segment 20 isdisposed in at least partially surrounding, spaced relation to a portionof the ankle area 12, such as in the vicinity of the heel 12′. Forpurposes of clarity, the plurality of apertures or like connectingfacilities 25 are not pictured in FIG. 5 but are in FIG. 2 and areintended to be present therein during the actual practical applicationor use of the fixator assembly 104. With further reference to both FIGS.5 and 6, operative placement and use of the fixator assembly 104comprises the supported disposition of at least one contoured segment 22or 22′ adjacent to an appropriate side of the ankle area 12. Morespecifically, contoured segment 22′, having the smaller or lesserprotruding contoured portion 30 is normally placed adjacent the lateralside of the foot and/or ankle area 12. In cooperation therewith, thecontoured segment 22, having the larger or greater outwardly protrudingportion 30 is normally, but not exclusively, appropriately positionedadjacent the medial side of the foot and/or ankle area 12.

As represented in FIG. 5, operative disposition and use of the fixatorassembly 10 may comprise utilization of two of the contoured segments 22and 22′, wherein each is connected to correspondingly disposed ends 23and 23′ of the base segment 20. It is noted that the interconnection ofthe one or more contoured segments 22 and 22′ to the base segment 20 maybe removably connected, in a stable manner, through the use ofappropriate connectors as at 29.

It is emphasized that common structural features do exist between eachof a plurality of contoured segments 22, 22′, etc. However, each of apossible larger number of contoured segments 22, 22′, etc. may vary indimension and configuration to accommodate accurate placement of aplurality of transfixion wires or members 36 relative to differentportions of the ankle area 12.

Accordingly, each of the contoured segments 22, 22′, etc. includes acontoured portion generally indicated as 30 disposed in spaced relationto at least one end 32 thereof, but more practically in spaced relationto opposite ends 32 and 32′ thereof. As such, the contoured segment 30,in at least one preferred embodiment of the fixator assembly 10, isdisposed intermediate the opposite ends 32 and 32′. Also, one of theseopposite ends, such as at 32, is fixedly or removably connected to acorrespondingly disposed end 23 of the base segment 20. Further, each ofthe contoured segments 22, 22′, etc. comprise the contoured portion 30having a substantially angular configuration as it protrudestransversely outward from a remainder of the length of the correspondingcontoured segment 22, 22′, etc. Moreover, each of the contoured portions30 terminates at what may be generally referred to as an apex or upperportion of the contoured segment 30, as at 32. Therefore, when one ormore of the contoured segments 22, 22′, etc. are operatively positioned,a contoured portion 30 of each of the one or more contoured segments 22,22′, etc. extends transversely outward from a remainder of thecorresponding contoured segment 22 or 22′ along the height or length ofthe ankle area 12 as best demonstrated in FIG. 1. Accordingly, each ofthe contoured segments 22, 22′, etc. are structured to be connected toand support one or more of a plurality of transfixion members ortransfixion wires 36, as represented in FIGS. 5 and 6. As such, each ofthe one or more transfixion wires or pins 36 extend transversely inward,toward the appropriate portion of the ankle area 12, from any one of aplurality of possible locations on the contoured segment 22, 22′, etc.including, but not limited to, being connected to the contoured portion30 or other portions of the length of the corresponding contouredsegment.

As such, the contoured portions 30 of each of the contoured segments 22and 22′ will be located adjacent and in operative relation to an atleast minimally different portion of the various bones or other tissueof the ankle area 12. This in turn will facilitate and enhance theversatility of accurately and efficiently placing one or moretransfixion wires, pins or like members 36 into engaging, stabilizingrelation to the intended bones or other tissue of the ankle area 12.More specifically, as each of the contoured portions 30 of eachcontoured segment 22, 22′, etc. extend transversely outward from theremainder of the length of the corresponding contoured segments 22, 22′,etc., the transversely inward ability to position one or more of thetransfixion members 36 into engaging relation with appropriate tissue ofthe ankle area 12.

Additional structural details of each of the plurality of contouredsegments 22, 22′, etc. include the provision of a plurality of apertures40, or other appropriately structured connecting sites, along the lengthof the contoured portion 30 as well as the remainder of the length ofthe corresponding contoured segment 22, 22′ etc. These apertures *40facilitate the interconnection of the one or more transfixion members 36thereto, such that the one or more transfixion members 36 may be locatedat any one of a plurality of locations along the contoured portion 30 aswell as the remainder of the length of the contoured segment 22, 22′,etc. This further adds in the versatility and accurate placement of thetransfixion member 36 along the entire length of the correspondingcontoured segments 22, 22′, etc. Also, when each of the contouredsegments 22, 22′, etc. are fixedly but removably connected to theappropriate ends as at 23 and 23′ of the base segment 20, additionalapertures or other appropriate structures may be provided to facilitateplacement of an appropriate connector 29, as represented in FIG. 5. Itis further emphasized that when two contoured segments are used, as inthe embodiment of FIG. 5, they may comprise different or substantiallyequivalent dimensions and configurations, dependent on the medicalrequirements in the stabilization or other treatment of the ankle area12.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

1. A support structure for use in an external fixator assembly, saidsupport structure comprising: a base having a substantially annularconfiguration and dimensioned for operative disposition in at leastpartially surrounding relation to a leg area of an individual, anextension assembly connected to said base and extending outwardlytherefrom, and said base and said extension assembly structured forconnection to at least one strut along a length of said base and saidextension assembly.
 2. A support structure as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid extension assembly comprises at least one extension member havingan elongated configuration.
 3. A support structure as recited in claim 2wherein said one extension member is disposed in substantially coplanarrelation to said base.
 4. A support structure as recited in claim 1wherein said extension assembly is disposed in substantially coplanarrelation to said base.
 5. A support structure as recited in claim 1wherein said extension assembly comprises a plurality of elongatedextension members.
 6. A support structure as recited in claim 5 whereinsaid base and at least two of said plurality of extension members areeach structured for connection to at least one strut and disposition ofthe one strut in interconnecting relation to a remainder of the externalfixator assembly.
 7. A support structure as recited in claim 5 whereinsaid two extension members extend outwardly from said base in asubstantially common direction.
 8. A support structure as recited inclaim 7 wherein said two extension members and corresponding portions ofsaid base are collectively of sufficient length to extend along and itsspaced relation to at least a majority of a length of an anklestabilizing portion of said external fixator assembly.
 9. A supportstructure as recited in claim 7 wherein each of said two extensionmembers is disposed in substantially coplanar relation to said base. 10.A support structure as recited in claim 7 wherein said two extensionmembers are disposed in substantially coplanar relation to one another.11. A support structure as recited in claim 10 wherein said twoextension members are disposed in parallel relation to one another. 12.A support structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said extensionassembly comprises at least two elongated extension members eachconnected to an opposite side of said base.
 13. A support structure asrecited in claim 12 wherein said two extension members and correspondingportions of said base to which said two extension members are connectedare collectively of sufficient length to extend along and in spacedrelation to at least a majority of a length of an ankle stabilizingportion of said external fixator assembly.
 14. A support structure asrecited in claim 13 wherein said base and said two extension members areeach structured for connection to at least one strut and disposition ofthe one strut in interconnecting relation to a remainder of the externalfixator assembly.
 15. A support structure as recited in claim 14 whereineach of said two extension members is disposed in substantially coplanarrelation to said base.
 16. A support structure for use with an externalfixator assembly for an ankle area of the body, said support structurecomprising: a base configured for operative disposition in at leastpartially surrounding relation to a correspondingly disposed leg area ofthe body, an extension assembly including a plurality of elongatedextension members extending outwardly from said base in spaced relationto and along a length of a remainder of the fixation assembly, and saidbase and at least two of said plurality of extension members eachstructured for connection to at least one strut and disposition of thisone strut in interconnecting relation to an ankle stabilizing portion ofthe external fixator assembly.
 17. A support structure as recited inclaim 16 wherein said two extension members are each connected to adifferent, opposite side of said base.
 18. A support structure asrecited in claim 17 wherein said base and said two extension membersinclude a plurality of apertures extending along respective lengthsthereof, said plurality of apertures disposed and structured forconnection to a plurality of struts and disposition of the plurality ofstruts in interconnecting relation to the ankle stabilizing portion ofthe external fixator assembly.
 19. A support structure as recited inclaim 17 wherein each of said two extension members is disposed insubstantially coplanar relation to said base.
 20. A support structure asrecited in claim 19 wherein said two extension members are disposed inparallel relation to one another.
 21. A support structure as recited inclaim 20 wherein said two extension members extend outwardly from saidbase in a substantially common direction.
 22. A support structure asrecited in claim 17 further comprising a brace assembly disposed ininterconnecting relation between said base and each of said twoextension members.
 23. A support structure as recited in claim 21wherein said brace assembly comprises at least two brace segments eachconnected in interconnecting relation between said base and a differentone of said two extension members.
 24. A support structure as recited inclaim 23 wherein each of said brace segments is interconnected between adifferent one of said two extension members and an outer periphery ofsaid base.